Sabrina and Romeo had planned to be wed in New York City at the Rainbow Room in April 2020…we all know how that went. Another couple’s plans deeply impacted by the pandemic, and yet another resilient and optimistic response. They moved it home to Edmonton, Canada, and with only a 6-month planning timeline we worked together to produce a very different event than they had initially envisioned.

Trading skycrapers for an entirely outdoor wedding, Sabrina and Romeo’s late summer soirée featured a mirrored aisle for their Sikh ceremony, live violinists, modern Indian cuisine, and two DJs. There was even a suprise appearance by Punjabi singer, Jazzy B! As a nod to their original venue, the Rainbow Room, we had the iconic compass featured on their dance floor.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Full Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Aspen Valley
• Photography: Andras Schram Photography
• Videography: Parfait Productions
• Caterer: Zaika Indian Bistro
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Arch, Rentals: BASH Decor
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Stationery / Signage: J. Gartner Studio
• Plexi Stages: Exquisite Affairs
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Cocktail Music: Charms YYC
• First Dance Singer: Lindsey Nagy Music
• DJs: Urban Beats Entertainment + Harman B
• Hair + Makeup: MADE by PG
• Vinyl Wraps, Indoor Sparklers: Talent Productions

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner

In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

You can visualize yourself walking down the aisle, locking eyes with your partner, saying ‘I Do’ and sharing that first kiss as a married couple. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line to book your wedding ceremony venue! But wait – have you asked all the right questions?!

Not to worry, Team JBW has got your back! Here are 5 important questions to ask when booking your wedding ceremony venue.

1. Are there any décor restrictions? For example, many indoor venues do not allow real flower petals down the aisle. Some churches have restrictions on what (if any) décor can be placed at the altar. It’s important to find out what is and isn’t permitted before booking your wedding ceremony venue.

St.Joseph’s Basilica / Carey Nash Photography

2. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue is providing and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding ceremony include: chairs or bench seating, a signing table for the registry, a ceremony arch or arbour, a sound system with a wireless or lapel microphone, and easels for directional signage.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Stoffer Photography

3. When can a rehearsal date and time be confirmed? Some venues will allow you to schedule this upon booking, while others will only confirm your rehearsal a couple weeks in advance. This is important to ask, as it may take some juggling to coordinate the availability of your Officiant, Wedding Party, Wedding Coordinator and rehearsal dinner venue.

The Lake House / Infused Studios

4. Is there an indoor or covered backup space in case of inclement weather? Always have a Plan B! If weather is poor, is there an on site backup space you can move the ceremony into? And when must you make the weather call? Often times this can be done on the day of the event, as late as a few hours prior to your ceremony start time, but some venues require 24 hours notice if utilizing the backup space.

University of Alberta, Botanic Gardens / Kelly Redinger

5. Is only one wedding held per day? Some ceremony venues book multiple weddings on a single day (we’ve seen as many as 4 different timeslots), while others provide exclusivity to a single wedding couple. It’s important to understand if you are restricted to a specific ceremony time, and whether you have to hustle out of there following your nuptials or if you can stick around to take photos.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald / Romy Young

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

We hope this is a helpful resource for you when booking your wedding ceremony venue. Stay tuned for our next blog post outlining 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers

JBW is looking to expand our team of Lead and Assistant Coordinators. We are seeking professional, enthusiastic people who are the right fit to join our high-performing team. Details of the available positions and application instructions are listed below – please read carefully, this is your first test!

POSITION 1: Assistant Coordinator

This position is seasonal and casual, however opportunities for growth are always available for the right individual. Most work is on weekends from May through October. This role is perfect for someone who wants to add to their income and/or skillset with a side job. You do not need to have experience in Wedding or Event Planning – we will train you.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Assistant Coordinator provides support to the Lead Coordinator at wedding rehearsals, ceremonies and receptions.
  • Rehearsals typically occur on Thursday or Friday evenings and are about 1 hour in length.
  • Most weddings occur on Saturdays and the average shift length is 7-8 hours.
  • Most of our Assistant Coordinators work between 5-10 weddings / events each year, with the majority being held in the summer months.
• Basic décor set up will be required. This involves physical work with light to medium lifting, and a lot of time on your feet.
• Late night décor teardown may be required for some events.

SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma and completion of / enrollment in any post-secondary program.
• Enthusiastic and eager to learn.
• Excellent listener with the ability to follow direction well.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.
• Professional – in both appearance and the way you carry yourself.
• Personable, friendly and a good fit for our team.
• Able to provide your own reliable transportation and cell phone on event days.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

POSITION 2: Lead Coordinator

This position is part-time/casual to start, with the goal of increasing your workload into 2023 and beyond. It is perfect for someone who has flexibility with their schedule and the ability to grow with us. You do not need to have experience in Wedding or Event Planning – we will train you.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work directly with Wedding Day Management clients to manage all logistics leading up to the event.
• Lead and execute the wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception:
  • Rehearsals typically occur on Thursday or Friday evenings and are about 1 hour in length.
  • Most weddings occur on Saturdays and the average time on site is 12-14 hours.
• Provide leadership, direction and supervision to your team of Assistant Coordinators.
• Basic décor set up will be required. This involves physical work with light to medium lifting, and a lot of time on your feet.
• Late night décor teardown may be required for some events.

SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS

See Assistant Coordinator list, plus:

• Impeccable organizational skills with accute attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills – includes having fantastic email etiqutte and confidence in social situations.
• Ability to work independently without supervision: mature, responsible and reliable.
• Aptitude for applying creative solutions to problems.
• Service-minded with a willingness to go above and beyond for every client, every time.
• Able to provide your own reliable transportation, cell phone and laptop computer for work from home or our office.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

APPLY BY APRIL 10, 2022
To apply to either of the above positions, please send your resume and an introductory email indicating why you are interested in the position to info@JenniferBergmanWeddings.com with subject line “Application for Assistant Coordinator” OR “Application for Lead Coordinator.”

Please reach out by email if you have any questions about either position.

*Please note: We appreciate all applications, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Grace + Jason had a gorgeous romantic garden-style wedding at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, in both the Wedgwood and Empire Ballrooms. They had an all-star wedding team to execute their vision, and impeccable bridal party style!

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings 
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Hair: Nina Simons
• Makeup: Vicky Vu Artistry

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management, Edmonton Wedding Planners

Robyn and Byron are such positive and caring people – one of those couples that lights up the room when they enter. Even the rain on their wedding day and a change to the Plan B ceremony location couldn’t dampen their moods. If anything, it made the day even more romantic!

Following their wedding ceremony at UofA Botanic Gardens, the newlyweds brought their cultures together in a beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony. The couple shows their respect to the elders in their families with an offering of tea; in turn, they receive acceptance of the marriage.

The celebration followed at Edmonton Country Club, where guests dined at long tables and danced on the terrace under the stars.

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony Venue: University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Pine Pavilion
• Officiant: Bob Wyatt
• Reception Venue: Edmonton Country Club
• Photographer: Kelly Redinger
• Ceremony Music: VIF String Quartet
• Reception Music: Happy Life Entertainment
• Donuts: Apollo Donuts
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management, Edmonton Wedding Planners

Like many others, Melissa and Gray were forced to pivot their original Summer 2020 wedding plans, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. They held a wonderful backyard event with their nearest and dearest, dining and dancing under the stars.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Officiant: Kaye Steward
• Photographer: Jade Gabrielle
• Videographer: Calvin Kho Films
• Florist: Cory Christopher
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Stationery: Wedding Design by Anika
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Hair + Makeup: Bliss & Glow Artistry
• Transportation: Apex Limousine

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management, Edmonton Wedding Coordinators

Katie + Simon had planned a large (300+!) wedding in the summer of 2020. Like many (many!) others, their plans were derailed by a not-so-welcome Global Pandemic. After weighing many options, we decided to pivot and re-plan their wedding. In keeping with the event guidelines in place at that time, we designed an intimate backyard tent wedding so they could celebrate with their nearest and dearest.

“ABOVE AND BEYOND. Worth every dollar hiring Jennifer to plan our wedding! If you’re like me and have a hard time with design, then you’re in good hands with Jennifer. She made the entire process SO easy, especially during the last 6 months since we had to pivot several times due to covid. I am still truly shocked by how beautiful everything came together. Thank you for the best day ever!”

See more of this beautiful micro-wedding in Blush Magazine.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield
• Videographer: Plaid Collar Films
• Catering: Stir Catering
• Bartending: The Old Fashioned Mobile Bar
• Florist: Cory Christopher
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Music: Paul Woida
• Transportation: APEX Limousine
• Cupcakes: The Art of Cake 
• Hair: Sam Pozdizk
• Makeup: Nickol Walkemeyer

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner, Backyard Tent Wedding